Chapter-8: Physiochemical parametric considerations for optimal underground hydrogen storage

Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) is a recent technology and a solution to large-scale hydrogen storage that can be utilized as an energy source to meet future energy demands. Hydrogen can be stored in subsurface formations such as salt caverns, aquifers, and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. The type of reservoir rock, the fluid it contains, that is, most often brine (saline water), its properties, and its interactions all have essential implications for the behavior of hydrogen in deep reservoir conditions. Studying the effects of these physiochemical properties is essential as it can help to determine several other aspects of UHS, such as storage capacity, performance, containment security, safe injection and withdrawal operations, etc. While these parameters are interrelated, this chapter is focused on and categorized into solid-based properties, fluid-based properties, and solid-fluid interactions. Each of these factors play a vital role in proper evaluation of UHS and its operations to ensure the feasibility of the process.